You are invited to our  weekly Sunday morning service that includes time for reflection and peace, a 'children's message,' prayers, sacraments, music, and more.   Children sit with their parents for the beginning of the service, and then go to Sunday School after the Children's Message.  Amanda Spagnolia is our Church School Director, and she will be happy to speak with you about your child's religious education.

Church School on Sunday Mornings
All children, typically aged 3 through 15, are invited to the front of the Sanctuary to hear a brief children's message at the beginning of the worship service.    Following the message, children leave the sanctuary to attend Sunday School classes in "Fellowship Hall" or in the Parsonage.  Our Church School Director, Amanda Spagnolia, usually gives the Children's Message, and she shepherds the children to their classes, taught by volunteer teachers from our congregation.  The Sunday School program is year-round and is offered to children ages 3 years through those in the 9th grade. During the summer months we have an exciting summer program that meets on Sunday mornings and includes lots of crafts and outdoor activities. 

The Sunday School program uses an excellent curriculum that teaches Bible Stories in innovative ways. We teach basic Bible knowledge and Christian traditions - along with creative lessons in ethics, sacraments, church history, and community service. We value the participation of children in all levels of the church's activities.

Nursery Care   The church also provides nursery care for infants during all services in the classroom area of our Fellowship Hall. The nursery is staffed from 15 minutes before the start of services until 15 minutes past the end. It is open to all children up until their 4th birthday. Two caregivers staff the nursery.   Childcare is also provided during scheduled second-hour discussion groups by speaking with either of our caregivers.  In addition, the church will provide childcare for any other scheduled event at the request of the parent. This can be arranged by speaking with either the pastor or the coordinator of the event.

Youth Group - We have Youth Group for grades 7-12 led by Landy & Trish Gilbert.  They meet every Sunday from 6:15-7:30 PM.  They help with mission projects, plan special events, discuss important topics, play games and eat and eat and eat. Friends are welcome.

 Confirmation Class  - A one-year Confirmation Class (September through Pentecost Sunday) is offered to 7th and 8th grade students. This class is taught by the pastors and involves a variety of activities such as visiting churches of other traditions, community service,  retreats and more. Following the successful completion of the program, the confirmands choose whether to affirm their baptismal vows and to become members of the congregation.

Who Are We?
    We are an open church, a "united and uniting" church that welcomes people of many different backgrounds and religious traditions. We are a Christian Church that teaches young people the values, stories and ethics found in the Bible and in the example of Jesus Christ. We are not a fundamentalist church; we believe in freedom of conscience and that each of us is on our own journey of faith. We teach respect for people and differences while covenanting to walk together on the pathways leading to God. Our motto is "that they all may be one," looking toward a time when all of God's people can live in peace and justice.

What Do We Teach?
    We teach basic Bible knowledge and Christian traditions; along with creative lessons in ethics, sacraments, church history, and helping others.
    Our curriculum is designed to teach the essential Bible stories and lessons that children need to grow in their faith. This curriculum is supplemented with crafts, games and special events to stimulate the imaginations and interest of the children.

Who Are the Teachers?
    Our teachers are volunteers from the congregation, some of whom are professional teachers, some of whom are not. All of them are insightful, creative, faithful and dedicated people who work very hard to provide children meaningful and fun experiences to grow in the faith.

When is Church School?
    Church School begins after the "children's sermon" in worship, which starts at 10 am each Sunday morning. Children are encouraged to sit with their parents until they are called down for the children's message, given by the minister or a member of the congregation. Then they go to their classes.

Where do the Classes Meet?
    The classes meet in their assigned areas:

Downstairs in Fellowship Hall
     Nursery
     Pre-School and Kindergarten
     First and Second Grade

Downstairs in the Parish House office
     Third and Fourth Grade

Upstairs in Fellowship Hall
    Fifth and Sixth Grade     
    Junior High Class (7th to 9th Grade)

Who's in Charge?
    The Church School is led by our Christian Education Committee, our pastor, the Sunday School Superintendent and other leaders.   If you have any questions or concerns, speak to Amanda Spagnolia, our Church School Director  (732-845-5142)  or feel free to call Rev. Rusty Eidmann-Hicks at the church office:   732-946-8821

How Do You Join?
    The best way to become part of the Sunday School is to show up. Come on a Sunday morning at 10 am, and bring your child to Church School! There is no fee, but we encourage regular attendance.

The Nursery
    We are fortunate to have two excellent paid staff who run our nursery program for infants in the basement of Fellowship Hall. They is available every Sunday.   Bring infants (0 to 3 years old) to the nursery before church begins.

Special Events
    We offer many meaningful and fun events.

• Mission Projects to help others like a Christmas Sharing tree, gifts to our sister-church in the Philippines, and more.
• Holiday Parties: Halloween, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Children's Day Picnic
• Family Nights with games, skits, dinner and crafts
• Drama - Christmas Pageant and Children's Day

Joyful Noisemakers Youth Choir:
    Our children's and youth choir, under the direction of Dave Mackey and Susan Muhler, performs regularly in worship, while practicing after church most weeks.   They sing at holidays, on special Sundays, and on Children's Day in the Spring.  During the Christmas Season, they sing in the Children's Christmas Pageant, held during worship.   

Youth Group
    Young people in grades seven to twelve are invited to be part of our active Youth Group Program. It meets weekly on Sunday evenings between 6:15 - 7:30pm for discussion, games and to plan trips, retreats, or involvement in mission projects such as the St. Marks Soup Kitchen or the Bridges Program for the Homeless.  They go on a Mission Trip for a week each summer, as well as other retreats and programs.   (See the Youth Page...)

Adult Forums
    After church on many Sundays we offer a variety of thought-provoking workshops and discussion programs. Child care is available. A Bible Study meets weekly on Thursday mornings, and we have special evening Bible Study groups during the year.